Keeping from internalizing my son's OCD

[Guest guest]

I am new to this group. Reading your posts helps me feel like I am not alone.

I find it very difficult to be the mother of an OCD child. My 12 year-old son

was diagnosed a year ago with OCD (Scrupulosity, Perfectionism, etc.). At first

I was very hopeful that the combination of Prozac and therapy would help him

immensely. I lived on hope (except on the REALLY bad days!). Now, he is on his

second therapist (who is specially trained in ERP).

I believe that the therapist is helping him but I am still living the roller

coaster of good days and bad days. My mood should not be so closely matched to

how he is coping. No one in my family of origin knows. I can't tell them

because they won't help the situation. I have learned this lesson many times.

My close friends are helpful and my brother-in-law's girlfriend is a gem!

I have decided that I need some therapy of my own so that I can grow towards

acceptance.

Mental illness can be so isolating. I think I am just angry that my son has to

suffer so much! I found a box under his bed labeled " OCD " and it had holes

punched into it. He keeps asking " why " him?